The Gospel

Why do we feel like we move past the Gospel at a certain point in our spiritual growth (to focus on programs or strategies)? It's foolishness. The Gospel is our spiritual growth. It is our faith. To move past the Gospel is to move past our faith - and create something of our own.

And yet, for so many years, if someone asked me what the Gospel was, I'm not sure I could have quickly or confidently answered. Of course I've read the four gospels in the New Testament. Of course I know that Jesus came to die for our sins so that we could have eternal salvation with Him. But if someone asked me what it was, I would have had to stop and think about it. How would I explain it?

The Gospel is the story of God's love and redemption for mankind.

To start with the fact that Jesus came and died for our sins is kind of like starting in the middle of a book to explain a storyline. It won't really make sense because you're missing the first part of the story - the backstory. So what is the backstory of the Gospel?

Genesis. God created us for worship of and fellowship with Him. Man's sin was choosing a path that was against God's will. (We continue to do this every day.) That sin separated mankind from God - because He is Holy. Immediately, God prepared a way for us to return back to Him. He taught and guided Israel (His people) through laws and through saving moments (like the Exodus). He promised for hundreds of years that He would make a light for the nations; that His salvation would reach to the ends of the earth (Isaiah 49:6). God's people waited and waited for the Redeemer. That's the backstory.
Why do we leave this out? Why do we leave out that God is just? Why do we leave out the importance of and reason for a Redeemer? Without that backstory, there are so many questions unanswered about the cross.

Jesus came as the light of the world; the salvation for all people. Jesus is the Redeemer. Jesus is the way to the Father and life, both here and when we pass on. Jesus is what the entire Old Testament points to. He has come. He has overcome death and sin for those who believe in Him. Not just believe that He came, but that He is who He says He is - which has much deeper implications than "I know Jesus is the Son of God because that's what someone told me." Salvation is for those who follow Him.

In Jesus' coming to earth is the Gospel. In Jesus' life and ministry is the Gospel. In Jesus' death is the Gospel. In Jesus' resurrection is the Gospel. In the Gospel is the transformation of those who believe.

The Gospel is rich. So rich that it takes a lifetime of exploration and still there is more. Never move past the Gospel.